Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Sabrina Plumb DeCastra

Success Story Interview - Sabrina Plumb DeCastra

An Interview with Sabrina Plumb DeCastra (16Sabie28 on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Joanna Rasheed of Ultra Literary.

08/10/2026

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Sabrina Plumb DeCastra:
EMBRACING THE DRUID is based on my Dungeons and Dragons druid character, Cordelia. But in this book I put myself in her shoes. I gave her my work from home job and imagined, "what would life be like if she walked away from this and into a more magical world discovering she had powers." I literally wrote myself away from my desk and into a world with magic, talking animals, a sentient tavern and one very attractive bard.
QT: How long have you been writing?: Sabrina Plumb DeCastra:
I've always had a love of writing, I just finally gave into it. Starting in high school I wrote scripts for the talent show, plays for various volunteer positions and even elaborate murder mystery Halloween parties. This was the first time I ever wrote a book and when I told my friends I was writing they all replied with, "it's about time."
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Sabrina Plumb DeCastra:
I wrote the opening lines to the book in November of 2024. I finished it in March of 2025, gave it to a freelance editor in April of 2025 and then immediately started querying in May. I did several rounds of revisions throughout the process. When I finished the book it was 140k words, what I queried was 94k.
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Sabrina Plumb DeCastra:
Absolutely - especially when I was in the thick of querying (and getting rejections). What helped me stay on course was my support system. I've made amazing author friends who kept me grounded and cheered me on, along with my friends and family. I couldn't have seen this through without each and every one of them.
QT: Is this your first book?: Sabrina Plumb DeCastra:
Yes! I know that isn't the case for most writers but while I've been writing different things over the years, this is my first novel.
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Sabrina Plumb DeCastra:
No, I've just always had a passion for it.
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Sabrina Plumb DeCastra:
I work full time so I write when I can - usually in the evenings and on my lunch break.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Sabrina Plumb DeCastra:
I did 3 major rewrites/revisions as I was querying.
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: Sabrina Plumb DeCastra:
Yes! I'm very fortunate to have amazing, supportive friends who read through it, along with my local critique group.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Sabrina Plumb DeCastra:
I am a proud pantser - I have no concept of how to outline a novel!
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: Sabrina Plumb DeCastra:
Easily 200+
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Sabrina Plumb DeCastra:
Yes! I made sure to look at each agent's website, MSWL and/or any authors/books they represented and tried (in one sentence at the beginning of my query) to explain how my book matched their interests.
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Sabrina Plumb DeCastra:
Querying is a grueling process filled with emotional ups and downs and loads of rejections. Find your people, you'll need to lean on them on your really tough days. If you believe in your story, don't give up on it or your characters. Keep pushing on until you find an agent who loves you, your story and your characters as much as you do.

Success Story Interview - Sabrina Plumb DeCastra

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